How Do I Choose a Massage Therapy Training Program?
When looking at schools which offer programs in massage therapy, it’s important to make the right choice for you. Whether you are looking for a degree in massage therapy or only want a certification, it can be difficult to navigate the many paths to becoming a massage therapist. Here are a few ways massage schools differ and how to figure out which is the right one for you.
Know Your Career Ambitions
When you think about being a massage therapist, where do you see yourself working and who are you working on? Do you envision yourself in a relaxing day spa helping people to unwind and feel better after a long day? Do you see yourself traveling with a sports team to help athletes stay in top physical condition for their next game?
There are many jobs a massage therapist can fill within the field. It all depends on their specialization and career goals. What are yours?
Picking the Style of Massage Therapy Program You Want
When you google for massage therapy programs you’re going to find a variety available. However, you’ll notice some important distinctions between the two. One set will certify you in massage therapy and will include training in different areas of treatment, some not recognized by science.
On the other hand, there are degree programs which are science-based and include anatomy and movement courses, such as kinesiology. Depending on what kind of massage therapist you want to be, you need to decide if you want to study on a science-centered learning track or not.
Do you want a Certificate or a Degree?
When deciding between programs, it’s important to recognize the distinction between a certificate and a degree. Degree programs are generally longer and more in depth. However, you do not need a degree in order to pass the state board test proctored by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Ask yourself; are you willing to devote the extra time and effort to earning a degree? Will a degree advance your career in a way a certificate won’t? Do you want the higher education and training a degree will provide?
Does the Program include an Externship?
An externship, similar, yet distinctive from an internship, is a chance for you to get your feet wet while you’re still learning. An externship can be an integral part of your education, not just because you get hands on experience in the field, but because of the important part of your massage therapy résumé it could become.
Many employers and clients value experience as highly as education and want to see that this is not the first massage you’ll be giving. Students serious about working in their field should be on the lookout for programs which include hands on learning in a real world setting, not just the classroom.
When can you Attend Class for your Massage Therapy Program?
Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or have family obligations, you have to fit massage therapy education into your schedule. Are you more interested in morning classes or evening classes? Which program offers which hours and what would fit in best with your time constraints?
Naturally, you shouldn’t choose a program only because it’s convenient. But you also should make sure you have enough time for class and homework in addition to your current schedule. Distance to the school, home and work can also be a factor.
Some institutions offer online massage therapy training. While the benefit of working at your own pace and not having to attend class at a set time is great, without the assistance of an instructor, translating your theory-based classes to practical application could be difficult. Additionally, getting hired could be a problem as you have no real world experience with massage.
Do you know the Facts about the Field of Massage Therapy?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that massage therapy is a growing field. The BLS states that the field is due to grow 22% between 2014 and 2024. This is considered much faster than average when compared to other occupations, including inside the healthcare support field.
That’s not the only good news. The BLS reports that massage therapists make a median salary of $38,040. The BLS continues and states about half of massage therapists work part-time. Their schedule gives them the freedom to schedule around their needs, no matter what their needs might be.
Are you excited about the field of massage therapy? If you’d like to learn more about earning an Associates of Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy from ECPI University, be sure to contact us today! A friendly ECPI University admissions advisor can help you discuss your options and decide if our massage therapy degree program is a good fit for you.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Massage Therapy - Associate’s
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